“It is because of the dedication and commitment of MTEA members, parents, and community members, that our students are performing against all odds to overcome the effects of failed educational policies. Let’s find strength in all we accomplished in 2016 and know that when we stick together we can achieve the impossible. “

On October 6, 2016, over 2,000 public schools in over 230 cities across the nation participated in “walk-ins” to demand the schools all students deserve. In Milwaukee, MTEA members led 117 walk-ins around the city in what was the strongest school participation we have ever seen during a nationally coordinated day of action for our public schools.

“I wanted to thank you (my union) so much for all your help last year. I just wanted you to know that my saga ended very happily and it is in part thanks to you all. I will continue to be an excellent educator that looks out for the safety and academic welfare of my students. I love teaching and am now in a district that is making decisions that positively impact kids. Your support and backing gave me the courage to choose a better option for me.”

Voters throughout the state showed strong support for their local public schools Tuesday by approving several major school referendums. One of the most important was in Rhinelander, where voters approved a $15 million referendum by more than a two-to-one margin, 68% yes to 32% no. Other successful referendums occurred in Jefferson, Marshall, Slinger, Northland Pines, Oostburg, New Glarus, Independence and Bangor.

West Bend social studies teacher Tanya Lohr, who was placed on paid administrative leave after challenging the district’s new testing system, was placed back in her classroom Monday night after her union, her colleagues, parents and community supporters came to her defense. The board announced in front of a packed room that Lohr would be allowed back to work immediately.

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Wisconsin High School Teacher of the Year – and WEAC Region 7 member – Sarahí Monterrey joined dozens of other state teachers of the year and hundreds of NEA members last weekend for the “Teach-In for Freedom,” an all-day event organized by Teachers Against Child Detention (TACD) to protest the inhumane detention of children at the Mexican border and the criminalization of immigrant families. “The Teach-In in El Paso was a powerful experience because teachers were united to be a voice for the over 10,000 children who are in detention centers across our country,” Monterrey told weac.org. “This was not a protest but rather an opportunity to educate the public about immigration policies and the effects of these policies on children.”

The GOP tax bill has made its way to Governor Tony Evers’ desk, but is drawing opposition from the governor and others. Also, Governor Evers this week unveiled a plan for $70 million in clean water initiatives and another plan to ensure access to dental health care. It’s expected that we’ll hear more about his health care plans next week, and other bits and pieces of the budget he’ll hint to leading up to the budget unveiling on February 28. You can expect the budget rollout to last a few weeks into March – so stay tuned for opportunities to turn out to support public school funding as the governor makes the rounds across Wisconsin. We’ll likely also see some more listening sessions, in addition to the Joint Finance Committee hearings.

The D.C. Everest Teachers’ Association has shaken up the status quo and is focusing on a new set of “clear directions and goals.” That’s what DCETA leaders told WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen for her latest Spotlight on Locals column. “We ask our colleagues to become a part of something,” said DCETA President Marie Wardall. “We show our members and our potential members our list of accomplishments, and we demonstrate why union membership matters to them.”

Waupun fifth-grade teacher Kathy Calder, a WEAC Region 5 member, believes business education should not be reserved just for older students. “An introduction to entrepreneurship at a young age will help students understand how to start a business and possibly spark an interest in future business ownership,” she says in an article in the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen and WISC News.

The Watertown School District is recognizing WEAC members Pam and Tim Suski for their work with the “Discipline with Dignity” program that has demonstrated success through compassion and high expectations. “We want to provide positive support and high expectations for both academics and behavior,” the Suskis say. “Through this program we show that we believe in them and expect excellent behavior — because they are capable of it.”

Congratulations to Shorewood teacher Angela Hayes, the latest winner of our WEAC Badger Red for Public Ed promotion! The honor goes to WEAC members in appreciation for their dedication to students. Recipients are treated to a UW Badger athletic event. Angela will get VIP treatment at the February 18 UW Badger basketball game against Illinois at the Kohl Center in Madison.